Expert: Master Shadow - 5/3/2007

Question
Why would someone ask me to not be on birth control pills? I know the obvious answer is that he wants me to be pregnant, but is there something else out there i don't know about?

Answer
Birth control pills have many nasty side effects which, in my opinion far outweigh the benefits. Listed below are some of the side effects these little pills can cause.

Rare but serious side effects:


Blood clots
BCPs can make women slightly more prone to form blood clots. A blood clot can occur in a vein or artery and can have different symptoms depending on where it forms. Clots can occur in the legs, abdomen, heart, lungs, eye, or brain. In the brain, a clot could manifest as a stroke. The risk of these events occurring is very low, but increases in women over 35, in smokers, and in those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, clotting tendency, or a family history of clotting abnormalities. The warning signs of a blood clot spell out the word ACHES:


Abdominal pain

Chest pain (also shortness of breath)

Headaches (especially those that are new, severe, or associated with persistent dizziness, difficulty speaking, fainting,numbness or weakness in extremities

Eye problems (blurred vision or loss of vision)

Severe leg pain (and/or redness and swelling in the calf or thigh)
High blood pressure
BCPs can raise your blood pressure. This is why you should check your blood pressure a few months after you begin taking BCPs.

Liver tumors
BCPs have been associated with an increased risk of forming benign liver tumors. This is a very rare occurrence, but you should contact your provider if you develop upper abdominal pain while taking BCPs.

Breast cancer risk
Many patients ask about how BCPs affect their future risk of developing breast cancer. The jury is still out on this issue. To date, there have been studies which suggest that there is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in women who have used BCPs; however, breast cancer was diagnosed earlier and had a better prognosis than in women who have never used the pill. We encourage all women, especially those with a strong family history, to explore this risk with their provider.

Cervical cancer risk
The risk of developing this type of cancer is slightly increased in BCP users. Fortunately, routine Pap smear testing is an excellent screening tool and is recommended on a yearly basis for women taking BCPs.


More common minor side effects of BCPs:


Nausea
Some women experience some mild nausea when first starting BCPs. Usually this goes away within a short time. Taking your pill with food or taking it before bedtime may help. If you have persistent problems or unusually severe nausea, contact your provider.

Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
This is vaginal bleeding that occurs during your active pills. This is a very common side effect during the first 3 months of BCP use.

Breast tenderness
Mild breast tenderness may occur after starting BCPs. The tenderness can be reduced by decreasing your caffeine and salt intake and by wearing a bra with good support. Usually it gets better within a few weeks. If you notice persistent discomfort or a discrete lump, make an appointment with your provider.

Mood changes
Some women may notice changes in their emotional status: depressed mood or emotional instability. If you have a history of depression, it is important to monitor your progress carefully when starting BCPs. If you notice changes in your mood after beginning BCPs, call your provider.

Decreased sex drive
While your sex drive is affected by many things, the hormones in BCPs can be a factor in decreased sex drive. If you are noticing this side effect, let your provider know. A change to another pill can improve this.

Weight gain
Many patients ask about this side effect. Studies have shown that weight changes in young women on BCPs are no different than women who don't take BCPs. Some women have noticed mild weight change (1 to 2 pounds) and mild fluid retention on some types of BCPs. Contrary to popular opinion, taking BCPs should not make you gain 10 or 15 pounds.

Gallbladder disease
BCPs may accelerate the formation of gallbladder stones in women who have a strong family history of gallstone disease.

Cervical changes
BCP usage, as well as pregnancy, have been associated with some cellular changes on the cervix, called a cervical ectropion. The delicate mucus secreting cells that line the inside of the cervix become present at the outer opening of the cervix. This can make the cervix more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.

Vaginal discharge
All menstruating women have a cyclical vaginal discharge. BCP users may notice subtle changes, but most women won't notice any changes.


Many of the beneficial effects can be achieved by other means, such as vasectomies, tubal ligation (Tying the tubes), condoms, which also have the added benefit of helping prevent STD's (Sexually Transmitted Disease).

So, the choice is yours as to whether you wish to take the pill, or opt for other means. Personally, I would avoid the pill, and opt for other means at birth control.

You could always ask why He wants you on birth control pills, and see what His take on things are. I hope this helps.

                                     SINcerely in Leather,
                                     Master Shadow.